Hi! I'm Esai and I'm a rising senior undergraduate student at New Mexico State University (Go Aggies!) where I am pursuing my Bachelor's in Genetics and Biotechnology.
For the past two years, I have been conducting research under the mentorship of Elba Serrano, PhD. We have been investigating how biomechanical cues influence brain disease states, with a focus on glioma. We use 2D and 3D tissue culture models to assess the phenotypic plasticity of astrocytes under different environmental conditions.
A key aspect of my work is applying biological atomic force microscopy to measure viscoelastic properties, such as stiffness, of live plant and animal cell membranes. I have collaborated with people from the Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering departments to identify the best ways to prepare samples and obtain accurate, reproducible Young's modulus measurements on live cells.
I have further explored cancer research during the last two summers away from NMSU, with a focus on developing improved treatment options for malignant tumors.
My career goal is to continue discovering information about how the brain develops and why things go awry while teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
For the past two years, I have been conducting research under the mentorship of Elba Serrano, PhD. We have been investigating how biomechanical cues influence brain disease states, with a focus on glioma. We use 2D and 3D tissue culture models to assess the phenotypic plasticity of astrocytes under different environmental conditions.
A key aspect of my work is applying biological atomic force microscopy to measure viscoelastic properties, such as stiffness, of live plant and animal cell membranes. I have collaborated with people from the Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering departments to identify the best ways to prepare samples and obtain accurate, reproducible Young's modulus measurements on live cells.
I have further explored cancer research during the last two summers away from NMSU, with a focus on developing improved treatment options for malignant tumors.
My career goal is to continue discovering information about how the brain develops and why things go awry while teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.